Spring cleaning tips for seniors
Spring has officially sprung, so now is the perfect time to open the curtains, let the sunshine in and dive into some spring cleaning. We know it can be overwhelming, so be sure to take your time and be patient with yourself. Check out our tips below to help you through it.
INCLUDE YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Cleaning an entire home — or even deep cleaning a part of your home — can be a lot more work than anticipated. Don’t tackle it all on your own. Instead, reach out to your family members or friends for assistance.
Not only will this make the cleaning more efficient, but it also makes a great opportunity to bond with those you love. Look at old photos together or old toys and trinkets from your kids’ childhood and just have fun with it.
In addition, having a helping hand to assist in cleaning those hard-to-reach places or moving big pieces of furniture will help put your mind at ease.
CREATE A CHECKLIST
Creating a detailed spring cleaning checklist will help you sort out your priorities and keep you organized. Not only will you want to dust, vacuum and mop, but you’ll also want to sort through cabinets and closets.
Make sure to write down exactly what you want to tackle in each room. For example, when working in the bathroom, consider removing all expired medications and ones you no longer use. When cleaning the kitchen, eliminate all expired food, make note of broken light bulbs that need to be replaced and move any potential tripping hazards, such as area rugs.
It also helps to create a schedule for how long you want to spend in each room or in a particular section of your home. This will help you feel less pressure and keep you on track.
DECLUTTER YOUR SPACE
Another challenging part of spring cleaning is eliminating the clutter. Although it may be difficult to let go of your items, it’s important to declutter your space because it can help alleviate feelings of stress and positively contribute to your mental health.
It can also help eliminate potential accidents, such as tripping hazards.
When going through each room, try separating your items into three piles: keep, donate and trash. Invite a family member or friend to help you put things into piles and offer advice on what to keep. Spring cleaning is never easy. It can be overwhelming and complicated to navigate, but tidying up your space and decluttering is always worth it. You’ll feel so much better when it’s done.
If you need assistance or support in getting rid of old furniture, need a hand with the cleaning process or if you need to know the nearest location to donate your items, 211 is here to help. Dial
211 and speak to one of our friendly navigators. We can do the research for you and connect you with a solution to make your spring cleaning experience stress free.